Tirreno-Adriatico came to an exciting climax with Nibali showing his form, full results and video. Milan-Sanremo is this week-end, so we have lots of team news for the “Classicissima”, plus a quick interview with Filippo Pozzato. The Operacion Puerto trial is nearly over and that’s today’s TOP STORY, will the “Fuentes Five” do time? News, views and videos…for sure it’s all here in EuroTrash Thursday.

TOP STORY: 2 Years for Fuentes & Co?
The “Operacion Puerta” trial is nearly done, but the defence lawyers for Eufemiano Fuentes, his sister Yolanda, Vicente Belda, Manolo Saiz and Jose Ignacio Labarta have asked for some time to consider the amendments to the accusations of committing crimes against public health. Meanwhile the prosecution are stressing their request for two year jail sentences for the defendants. WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) have asked that they should also be banned from being involved in sport for just over eight years as well as the jail sentence, although the RFEC (Spanish Cycling Federation) want only a one year sentence.

The Spanish judge in charge of the case, Julia Patricia Santamaria, is not interested in the names of the Fuente’s clients or who the 224 blood bags found on his premises belong to. In 2006 when the case was broken by the Guardia Civil, doping in sport was not an offence in Spain, but was in other countries and is also against WADA rules, so sporting bans could be placed on any individuals who were identified through DNA or other means. One problem is that the judge in charge of the case in 2007 ruled that the evidence could not be used for any prosecution because of the law at that time.

Now WADA, CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) and the RFEC have all asked for access to the evidence, but the UCI has not, why is this? Surely getting this out in the open would bring an end to a very dark time in our sport and as a side issue it could show that cycling isn’t the only sport with a drug problem.

Fuentes himself has made contradictory statements on who his clients were and whether or not he would reveal them. At one point in the trial he stated that he could name all the blood bags, but the question was not allowed to be asked because it has no relevance to the charges. When he was in jail during questioning, it was alleged that he stated he could bring down all the top Spanish football teams, including the National team who are European and World champions. He has also stated that he has been warned off making any allegations; “I can’t tell which clubs, I have received death threats. I was told that if I told certain things, my family and myself could have serious problems. There are sports against which you cannot go against, because they have access to very powerful legal means to defend themselves.” More recently he suggested to the Spanish press that he will write a book covering all the facts of his work, joking that he might have two year to do it.

If it is shown that the defendants have endangered public health then they deserve all they get, but what about the athletes involved. Tyler Hamilton (and the others) went to Fuentes for his help to win races, be famous and make more money, did they think of the possible negative effects on their bodies, probably not, all they were interested in was committing a fraud and hoped that they would get away with it. These athletes went to Fuentes for his help, this is not a case of a young rider being given something that he didn’t know what it was or being told it was vitamins, they looked for which doctors could help them. Where are those riders now? Many have retired, so a sporting ban would not affect most of them, most still have their money and fame, are they facing jail sentences?

In this video you can hear Fuentes declare in court that it was not only cyclist, there were also footballers, a tennis player, a boxer and athletes.

Tirreno-Adriatico 2013
Peter Sagan showed again why he is so special, the other day he out-sprinted Mark Cavendish and Andre Griepel and then on Monday he won a hard mountain stage in terrible weather. At the end of Stage 6 Vincenzo Nibali (Astana), Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) were outsprinted by Peter Sagan (Cannondale), Nibali was 2nd and moved into the overall lead overtaking Chris Froome (Sky) by 34 seconds.

The lead group split under the force of Cunego, leaving Cunego, Impey, Visconti, Intxausti, Selvaggi, Martinez up front with a lead of 2 minutes with a lap to go. Up the final climb of the Muro di Sant Elpidio; Nibali forced a strong break with Sagan, Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) and Intxausti, Rodriguez crossed to them and Contador was chasing in a group with Froome dropped back to the next bunch on the road with around 10 kilometres to go.

The last few kilometres were flat to the finish and 5 K’s to go Sagan, Nibali, Rodriguez had around half a minute on the Contador group and a further minute to Froome, it just left Sagan to do his thing before the line.

Alberto Contador: “The goal was not to climb at the front, but simply to climb”
Alberto Contador finished the last stage in Tirreno-Adriatico before the time trial in fourth place overall after a tough day on which the most affected of the leaders was Froome, who lost the jersey in favour of Nibali and still gave some more seconds to the leader of Saxo-Tinkoff. Contador stepped on the podium again as leader of the point’s classification.

Alberto described the day as “a stage in which to be able to climb the hills was difficult as a result of the technique. In the moment which all has been broken was when Joaquim came out and I went out behind, I stood up over the pedals and I almost fell off my bike. I lost a few meters there and then it was impossible to recover.”

In the controversy over the climbs hardness, reaching up to 30%, Alberto said it has been “really hard. Something amazing, because we were not able to climb the hills because the wheel slipped. Without water (on the road) could have been a little easier, but with water the objective was not to climb in front, but simply to climb.”

Finally, regarding tomorrow’s time trial, Alberto simply said that he will have “a stunning leg pain and we’ll see how do.”

Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Michal Kwiatkowski managed to battle through the brutal Stage 6 where riders abandoned throughout, and many were zig zagging or even put their feet down, on a seemingly endless series of steep climbs. He did regain the White Jersey for Best Young Rider, “It was a long day, and also cold,” Kwiatkowski said. “I managed to always stay in the front. I knew in the last climb, the steepest one, it was not so easy for me to stay with the best. But I did all I could and I really didn’t lose much time. After the climb, I was fortunately in a little group who took turns and worked together. We were able to basically catch the group in front of us, which was really important for me to try and limit the time between me and guys like Contador and Horner, as we are close in the GC. Now I am in a good position. The podium is maybe possible, but I really want to enjoy this moment with my teammates. They were fantastic today — especially Velits, Stybar, and Tony. They did a great job. They kept me covered all day; we were always in the front. They went up and down in the peloton to bring rain jackets, gloves, and everything. When you have a team like that, you have to try to do your best for them. I am very happy. Tomorrow there is only a 9.2km time trial. I hope it won’t rain, but here you never know as there has been rain often up to this point. I will try to give it my all and we will see the result. Most importantly, we must finish this race without regret.”

Big attacker of the day; Damiano Cunego: “I’m happy because the victory in the best climber ranking rewards all the efforts I made in these days,” Cunego explained. “As for yesterday, today too I was willing to attack and I could join a good breakaway. It’s a pity the bunch didn’t give us too much advantage, but I’m satisfied: I did something good for cycling fans, for the team and for myself, since I’m aware that my condition is increasing.”

Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Tony Martin closed out Tirreno-Adriatico with a 52.992km/h average pace in the 9.2km Stage 7 ITT, which was enough for a victory by six seconds on Tuesday.

Martin finished with a time of 10:25, pushing enough power to pass riders on a short distance time trial course. Adriano Malori (Lampre-Merida) was 2nd at 6 seconds and Andrey Amador (Movistar) was 3rd, 10 seconds back. Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) finished in 12th position, but was fast enough to win this year’s Tirreno-Adriatico, beating Sky’s Chris Froome by 23 seconds at the end of the seven stages. Alberto Contador (Saxo-Tinkoff) was 3rd at 52 seconds while Michal Kwiatkowski (Omega Pharma – Quick-Step) finished 8th at 21 seconds in the time trial, won the White Jersey for Best Young Rider, plus finishing 4th overall at 53 seconds to Nibali.

“It was more like a prologue than really a time trial,” Martin said about the TT parcour. “I prefer the longer time trials, from 20 to 50 kilometres. But, I really liked it here. It was not too technical. It was really nice, and we were lucky with the weather as there was no rain. So, everything was really fine. I expected a really big fight with Cancellara at the end, and the big contender was Malori. But OK, I won and I’m really happy. It shows me that my time trial condition is really good, and it gives me a lot of morale for the season.”

“I was really looking forward to this day,” Martin continued. “I’m really happy I could win here. This is my first time at Tirreno-Adriatico. I really liked this race, and a week of challenging climbs was very important for my conditioning. As for my performance during the stages that weren’t time trials, it went better day to day. I still need some time to improve in the mountains, but it is very early in the season. For the moment, I am very happy with this stage win, and also the good GC placement of Michal Kwiatkowski. He really deserved it. This was a very good week for the team, especially winning both of the time trials.”

“It’s just a really positive atmosphere,” Martin said about the morale of the team. “You can really feel that everyone gives 100 percent — the riders, staff, mechanics, soigneurs, sports directors, really everybody. I am so happy and proud to be a part of this team. I think we really force each other to go to the limit and you really can feel it. A win for one of us is a win for the team. It gives us so much power, and makes everyone so successful. It runs pretty much by itself, I think.”

“I did everything I could — but to be honest, I was a little bit tired after this week even mentally,” Kwiatkowski said about his time trial performance. “This race was not so easy, but it is one I will never forget. It was marvellous to be surrounded by a team that was so supportive of me. I could have maybe done better, but for now it is important to enjoy the fact that I was 4th behind three of the best in the World. For me, I cannot complain about my placement with this kind of competition. I am happy and am looking forward to the next races with great morale.”

Jürgen Roelandts: “We came here to win a stage and to fine-tune the train for Greipel. We didn’t get a stage win, but we don’t have the feeling we’ve failed, we leave Tirreno with a good feeling. In difficult weather conditions we could form a train twice, so that is positive for the future. This Tirreno confirmed that I’m in good condition with my eighth place in Sant’Elpidio as a highlight.”

“It was a mad stage, but I wouldn’t call it my toughest stage ever. Last year I was ill in the Tour de France, but I wanted to finish no matter what. In the mountain stage over the Tourmalet I was dropped early in the race and I had to ride on my own in the mountains for six hours, nothing can beat that. For many riders the rain was an extra obstacle, but for me it was rather an incentive.”

“For me the four most important weeks of the season are coming up with for example Paris-Roubaix, a race I definitely want to win one day. My condition isn’t 100% yet, but that isn’t necessary because the next few weeks some extra percentages will be added. The problem I had with my eyes after the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad is over, so nothing prevents me from being successful in ‘my’ races.”

Good news for Lampre-Merida in the last stage of Tirreno-Adriatico. Adriano Malori was very close to the victory: he was 2nd (10:31), 6 seconds more than the world champion Tony Martin winning performance.

Very good result for Niemiec too, who obtained a place in the top ten overall final classification thanks to his result in the time trial (11:14), the Polish cyclist is 9th in the final ranking, at 3:19 to the winner Nibali.

Celebration day for Cunego too, who was awarded as the best climber of Tirreno-Adriatico. In addition, Lampre-Merida’s champion received the trophy as best fighter. “I really hoped to win, because I performed an outstanding time trial, but Martin is so strong,” Malori commented. “I had the best timing at the first intermediate, and then Martin recovered. It was my second time trial this season after the 5th place in Argentina: I’m more and more aware that the perfect Merida TT Warp bike and my good condition could allow me to compete against the best specialists.”

Niemiec too is satisfied: “It’s a very good result for me and for the team. Being in the top ten rewarded all the competitive performances I made in the early part of the season and it gave the team important points for the World Tour ranking.”

Laurent Jalabert in Hospital
The 44 year old retired French star was training on his bike on Monday when he was hit by a car 1 kilometre from home and taken to hospital in Montauban with multiple fractures. In an announcement it has been said that he will need surgery as he has a broken arm and tibia (shinbone), but is not in a critical state. The driver has said that the sun was in his eyes and didn’t see Jalabert. He was knocked unconscious, but was wearing a helmet at the time.

Colombia back in action at GP Nobili
After a good team performance at Roma Maxima, Team Colombia gets back to the action at the 16th GP Nobili Rubinetterie, to be raced in Italy on Thursday, March 14th.

The race will start from Nobili Rubinetterie’s factory in Sumo, to end on the charming Lago Maggiore lakefront in Stresa, just in front of the Isola Bella. The main difficulty of the race is the Massino Visconti ascent, to be climbed twice.

In the wake of Leonardo Duque’s strong placement at Roma Maxima, Team Colombia is now set to start a very intense Spring that will lead the Escarabajos to the highlight race of the season, the Giro d’Italia.

At GP Nobili, Sports Directors Oscar Pellicioli and Oliverio Rincon will rely on a very complete 8-man line-up, suited to deal with every tactical situation: “The double climb in the finale is tougher than it seems, and with such a strong starting field, a sprint finish should not be taken for granted. –DS Pellicioli explained. – Should it come up to a bunch kick, we would try to be in the mix with Edwin Avila, Leonardo Duque and Jeffry Romero, but riders like Pantano, Quintero and Duarte could play a significant role in the breakaways.”Thanks to Team Colombia.

OPQS to Handzame ClassicPress Release: Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team has announced the selection that will take part in the Handzame Classic on March 15th. The race will include an adjusted parcour due to inclement weather.

“In Belgium it is not currently the best weather because of snow and cold,” Sport Director Rik Van Slycke said. “The race organizers decided they will maintain the total distance of 185km, but change the first part of the race. We will start in a different city, ride 35km, then enter a 10 lap circuit of 15km for a total of 185km. There are no longer the climbs this year, as they are no longer possible due to the weather. So, very likely this will end in a sprint, but you never know with these weather conditions. We will do our best to get a good result with the changes that have been made.”

OPQS to Milano – SanremoPress Release: Omega Pharma – Quick Step Cycling Team has announced the selection that will participate in Milano – Sanremo. The race covers 298km, which is the longest race on the calendar. Milano – Sanremo covers a route that includes crucial climbs on the Cipressa and the Poggio near the end of the race. The Cipressa, which is 5.65km in length and averages 4.1% with a max ramp of 9%, is at kilometer 275.9. The Poggio, at the 291.8km mark, is a distance of 3.7km, with an average gradient of 3.7% and a max ramp of 8 percent. The peloton will then descend into a flat and hectic finish by the coast.

“We have a good, strong team that can be competitive for each moment of the race,” said Sport Director Davide Bramati, who will lead OPQS from the team car with Wilfried Peeters. “We have riders good for the sprint, and also to be present in the main actions, such as on the Cipressa and the Poggio, or even in a final if it does not come down to a bunch finish. The team is in good condition and really motivated after a good result after Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico. We are ready to do a good race and to be protagonists.”

“Noblesse Oblige” for Slagter in Milan – San RemoPress Release: The Blanco Pro Cycling team travels with several different scenarios to the first real classic in the early season: Milan – San Remo. In the race over nearly 300 kilometres, the riders under Erik Dekker and Nico Verhoeven are prepared for a more ‘selective’ route as well as one whereby the sprinters can compete right up to the end. The Team line-up for Sunday March 17: Maarten Tjallingii, Paul Martens, Mark Renshaw, Lars Petter Nordhaug, Tom-Jelte Slagter, David Tanner, Tom Leezer and Maarten Wynants.

“If there is a small breakaway group in one of the climbs, we have a good candidate in Tom-Jelte Slageter”, according to sports director Verhoeven who added that “if it should end in a sprint then we are well represented with Mark Renshaw”.

In any case, Slagter feels good in his role as the lead. It be his first Milan – San Remo, but the young man from Groningen already finds it an attractive race. “The short yet steep climbs make this course suitable to me” remarked Slagter, who added, “We saw those type of climbs in the Tour Down Under, the Tour du Haut-Var and Strade Bianche and I rode them well. I’ll admit that Milan – San Remo is of a different calibre, but with the Tirreno-Adriatico in my system, I gotten even stronger.

As the winner of the Tour Down Under and the first WorldTour leader from the still young season, Slagter feels a certain “Noblesse Oblige” in advance of La Primavera. The fact that Paris – Nice winner Richie Porte has passed him the WorldTour Classification does not concern him. “Last week, I was number one. If you are up there in the rankings, you want to prove that you belong there. That’s the attitude I am bringing to Milan – San Remo.”

Slagter will not make any predictions for Sunday. He does, however, have a plan. “I scouted the last couple of hundred kilometres a few weeks ago. Up to the Passo del Turchino, it’s going to be a fast race. After that, it’s going to be a case of staying alert and staying up front in the climbs. Only then will I have a chance at a good result. I’m going give it a try and see how it all plays out.”

BMC Racing Team Roster: Milan-San RemoPress Release: The BMC Racing Team’s roster for the 104th edition of the Milan-San Remo includes reigning world road champion Philippe Gilbert and past world road champion Thor Hushovd – both two-time, third-place finishers – as well as past top 10 placers Daniel Oss (ninth in 2012) and Greg Van Avermaet (ninth in 2011).

Orica-GreenEdge has Multiple Cards to Play at Milan-SanremoPressRelease: ORICA-GreenEDGE will stand on the start line in Milan for the first monument of the season with the two most recent Milan-Sanremo winners amongst its ranks. Matt Goss (‘11) and Simon Gerrans (’12) offer their team two options for the Italian Classic on Sunday.

“The way I won last year is rare,” said Gerrans. “Milan-Sanremo isn’t often won by a breakaway that forms in the closing kilometres of the race. Obviously, it can happen – and if it does, we know that I can win in that type of situation. In that regard, we have a couple cards to play. Our main card, our ace, is that we’ve got Gossy in great shape.”

The eight rider squad will be devoted to Goss’ service during the longest race on the cycling calendar. In 2011, Goss won an eight-up sprint that came on the heels of an animated finale. He outsprinted the likes of Fabian Cancellara (RadioShack-Leopard-Trek), Philippe Gilbert (then Omega Pharma – Lotto, now BMC) and Alessandro Ballan (BMC) to give Australia its first win in Samremo in the 102nd running of the race.

“With Gossy’s Tirreno win late last week, he’s shown that he’s in fantastic shape at the moment,” said Gerrans. “If the race comes down to a bunch sprint, which is the most likely scenario, he’ll be our man. The team will line up with the plan to support Gossy. I’ll have a bit of free rein in the final. That was our approach last year, too.”

The bulk of the Milan-Sanremo squad played a part in Goss’ Tirreno-Adriatico stage win. Baden Cooke, Jens Keukeleire and Gerrans were the only three to race Paris-Nice. Daryl Impey, Jens Mouris, Matt Goss, Sebastian Langeveld, Stuart O’Grady and Svein Tuft chose Italy over France.

“If you’re counting, you’ll notice we listed nine riders,” said Sport Director Neil Stephens. “We can only start eight. We traveled from Tirreno yesterday to team training camp, and we have both Jens and Svein here. Svein fell ill with two stages left to race at Tirreno-Adriatico He’s a key rider for us at Milan-Sanremo, and we’re hoping he’ll make a full recovery. If not, Jens Mouris is ready to step up.”

Although the team won’t talk specific tactics until Saturday, Gerrans can project select roles for his teammates.

“We’ll use certain riders early in the race and save come guys for the likely sprint,” he said. “Daryl Impey, for example, has proven to be Gossy’s most reliable last lead out man, so I imagine we’ll save him for the final. When I speak about the guys that we’ll use early, these are riders that probably will not finish the race. Their job is done before we reach the closing kilometres.”

Typically, the race follows a predictable format. A frantic start gives way to an early breakaway. The move must contain a mix of big teams but not big names. When the right escape group gets up the road, the peloton settles in until the 185 kilometre mark. The pace typically heats up on the Turchino Pass. At the top of the long yet mild ascent, the peloton passes through a tunnel before descending to the coast, where it will stay nearly all the way to the finish.

The peloton leaves the coast only to tackle the climbs that pepper the route. The first major difficulty is Le Maine, which proved decisive in splitting the peloton during last year’s race. Although not every hill will shed riders, each serves to soften the legs ahead of the grand finale.
The Cipressa and the Poggio di Sanremo decide the race. The final two climbs and their ensuing descents make for spectacular racing.

“This race is unique in that it’s the longest race of the season, but it does not typically truly unfold until the final ten kilometres,” noted Gerrans. “It’s exciting for spectators because there’s no real sense of who is going to win until basically the end. The suspense lasts for seven hours.”

Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung to start Milan-Sanremo
Following Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung’s successful WorldTour debut at Tirreno-Adriatico, Africa’s first Pro Continental Team will be at the start of the Milan-Sanremo race in Italy on Sunday. With its appearance at the sport’s longest professional one-day race, the team will again make cycling history, as the first team with an African licence to take part. And for the first time, a black cyclist from South Africa, Songezo Jim, will take on the 298 kilometre “Classica di Primavera” from Milan to Sanremo.

Team Principal Doug Ryder says it’s an honour for the team to be invited to compete. “Milan-Sanremo is an iconic race; the longest cycling classic in the world and the biggest one-day race in Italy,” he says. “For most of our team, this race will be the biggest challenge they have ever faced in cycling. We will make history again with Songezo Jim becoming the first black South African to ever start a WorldTour race. Songezo and the rest of the team will race to support Gerald Ciolek, and hopefully bring him to the Cipressa at 275kms without having to have done too much and then we will see what he can do.”

Team captain Gerald Ciolek proved his good form this spring with his stage win at the Three Days of West Flanders and his third and fourth place finishes in the sprints at Tirreno-Adriatico.

22-year old Songezo Jim is looking forward to the opportunity to learn from one of the team’s more experienced leaders. “I am very excited about it,” he says. “I am looking forward to learning from the older guys like Ciolek and Jay Thomson and getting some coverage for the team. It’s a big step for me. It’s a dream come true to start a WorldTour race; to line up alongside the field on Sunday. It’s not easy to get to this level and I have a long way to go, but I just want to be a sponge and absorb and learn as much as I can.”

In addition to Ciolek, the team management will also look to the newly-crowned South African champion Jay Thomson and his countrymen Jaco Venter and Jim. Also wearing the Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung jersey at Milan-Sanremo will be German Martin Reimer, Spaniard Sergio Pardilla, German Andreas Stauff and Italian Kristian Sbaragli.

But the team will not only be in the spotlight in Italy for its pro riders. The race organiser, RCS Sport, which not only directs Tirreno-Adriatico and Milan-Sanremo but also the Giro d’Italia, has invited the South African team and its management to a gala dinner on Thursday evening.

“On Thursday night we are thrilled to be attending the La Primavera Gala Dinner, the proceeds of which will go to our MTN-Qhubeka Bikes for Life programme,” he explains. “This will make such an impact in the lives of many South African kids and encourage them to take up cycling. This is an incredible week for our team, especially in only its first year in the Pro Tour.”

The Qhubeka foundation is very happy with the performance of its namesake team on the world’s cycling scene. “Our job at Qhubeka is to change lives through distributing bicycles and mobilizing people throughout Southern Africa,” says Qhubeka Founder, Anthony Fitzhenry. “Through our partnerships, we have created a development path in all of our programmes to take riders to the top level of the sport, which is just mind-blowing. To think that getting to race at WorldTour races could start with a Qhubeka Buffalo bicycle is very exciting for us.’’

Milan-Sanremo is the longest pro race in the WorldTour and is one of the five Monuments of cycling, along with the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Liege-Bastogne-Liege, and the Tour of Lombardy. After the start in Milan, the race comes to an end about 300km later in the Riviera resort of Sanremo.Thanks to the MTN-Qhubeka team.

Adam Blythe Eyes Pair Of Belgian One-Day Races
Nokere Koerse on Wednesday and Friday’s Handzame Classic provide the BMC Racing Team with an opportunity to test the legs of sprinter Adam Blythe.

Weather Could Be A Factor Blythe, third at the Handzame Classic last year, says he brings even better form and confidence to the two races in Belgium.”I’m looking forward to racing some races that suit me,” he said. “Both races this week I want to win. Nokere is always a sprint finish. I just have to get a good position for the sprint, which is a 250-meter rise to the finish on cobbles. It’s the same with Handzame. It’s normally a small group of 20 to 30 riders at the finish. I hope to be there and to feel good and have a good sprint in me.”

BMC Racing Team Assistant Director Jackson Stewart said the strength of the team provides other options if the nearly 200-kilometer races are not shaping up to be bunch sprints. “We will see how the weather and conditions play out and be mindful of other opportunities if they present themselves,” Stewart said. “But Blythe will be our fastest finisher and I think we have a good roster to support him in these races.”Thanks to BMC.

Nokere Koerse Cancelled
Wednesday’s Nokere Koerse was cancelled on Tuesday lunch time due to the bad weather in most of Northern Europe. The organising committee made this announcement on their web-site: “After a meeting with the organizing committee, the UCI, a delegation of the team leaders, the police and the local authorities concerned have decided to cancel the Nokere Koerse Danilith Classic this year. The safety of the riders, the caravan and the spectators could not be 100 percent guaranteed. The extreme weather conditions have forced the organizers to make this decision. The roads are mostly cleared, but blowing snow on some portions has made them not passable.”

2013 Nokere Koerse promo, pointless?

A Quick Interview with Filippo Pozzato
Some short questions for Filippo Pozzato of Lampre-Merida, he talks about Tirreno-Adriatico, Milano-Sanremo and the Belgian Classics.

How do you judge your performances in Tirreno-Adriatico?
I started suffering with a light cold, but I got better and better and that allowed me to improve the condition in the way I aimed to: the race was very useful in view of Milano-Sanremo.
It’s true that the cold weather and the rain were not the best thing for the cyclists, but I’m satisfied about what I’ve been doing until now.
In Porto Sant’Elpidio stage, I quit the race as a precaution; I was willing to avoid relapses.

How’s your fitness approaching Milano-Sanremo?
My fitness is good. In this early part of the season I could train well, but only on Sunday evening will be able to tell if I did everything in the proper way in order to get to the target.
If I compare the situation to 12 months ago, when I underwent surgery for a broken collarbone, the approach to Milano-Sanremo of this year is much better. I could also win one race and I almost won in Roma-Maxima.

Who will be the main opponents for Milano-Sanremo and who impressed you during the recent races?
It’s so difficult to forecast the protagonist of this race, the group of the possible winner is very large. I could say that Sagan and Cancellara are the favourites, but pay attention to Cavendish: if there will be a sprint in Sanremo, he’ll be the number one.
In Tirreno-Adriatico I could study live many of the opponents, and then I also take a look to Paris-Nice: all the possible protagonists are pedalling very well.

Could Italians Nibali and Moser have a chance in Sanremo?
Nibali is in good condition and if he’d attack he could change the course of the race, that could become less suitable for sprinters.
Even if I think he’s a very competitive cyclist, I don’t think Moser can have many chances, since a very tough race would be needed to see him be a protagonist.

How is it possible to defeat Sagan?
Sagan is very fast, but despite this he’ll try to eliminate pure sprinters such Cavendish.
The hope is that after the limit of 300 km he could be less competitive: last year he suffered very long distances, but I’m aware he’s a champion and he has improved for sure his endurance qualities.

In which way do you think you could win?
In the latest seven editions, except for one year, I always reached the top of the Poggio in the first five places of the group: it could be very good to select a small group on Poggio and then to battle for the victory against the members of that group. Anyway, it’s very difficult to plan the proper moves, a little bit of improvisation is needed.

The weather could be bad on Classicissima roads: how would the race change?
It could change so much. First of all, the Cipressa downhill will become slippery and, as consequence, selective. Then, the whole race will be more demanding.
It would be also important to pay attention to the wind: on Cipressa, if there will be strong wind, few riders will try to attack.

Where is the key place of the race?
It’s difficult to predict it, but Le Manie climb could be indicative: it will be covered at a high pace, the sprinters will be out, and otherwise they’ll be the favourites in Sanremo.

Do you think your team could be competitive?
I’m very happy for what concerns the team, I’m sure all the members will be competitive and I appreciated it live in Tirreno-Adriatico how they’re in a good condition. I’m aware that in Milano-Sanremo the team is fundamental for being supported in a perfect way until the key moments. It would be perfect to rely on a mate that raises the pace on Manie, then two riders that on Cipressa could give their support and eventually join the attacks. After Poggio, your legs are important.

How will the cohabitation with Petacchi work?
We’ve got opposite qualities, but this could be an advantage for the team. I think it will be important to plan with the team which kind of race to set.

What is Milano-Sanremo for you?
It’s something special, it’s my childhood dream that I could make true. My feeling with the race is very intense; I have pedalled so many times on Classicissima course as this year. Milano-Sanremo is for me the same as the “Holy Week” is for the Belgians.

Talking about “Belgian Holy Week”, after Sanremo you’ll face the Belgian Classics. Are you ready?
Yes and first of all I’ll focus my attention on the Ronde Van Vlaanderen: outstanding race, magic atmosphere, but it’s also important to point out that the group of favourites is smaller than in Milano-Sanremo. I think the toughest opponents could be Sagan, Cancellara and Boonen. I’m sure Tom, despite the health problems, will be very competitive.

Are you sad Ballan won’t be there battling?
I’m very sad. I’ll miss him first of all as a friend, then as key rider of the races, since he has always been an important reference point.

The third appointment is Paris-Roubaix, do you already think about it?
The race will take place in more or less one month and, most of all, I must think about Sanremo and Ronde Van Vlaanderen as first. I’m aware in these three races I’ll focus most part of my season, so I strongly want to face them one by one, paying top attention.Thanks to the Lampre-Merida team.

Filippo Pozzato wins Trofeo Laigueglia 2013:

The 2013 Rapha Condor JLT team was officially launched in London
Held at the London offices of Jardine Lloyd Thompson, the launch was an opportunity for the Rapha Condor team to officially welcome new title sponsor JLT to the team, as well as to introduce the full 2013 line up for the first time.

The team’s commitment to the development of young British riders has been re-emphasised in 2013 with the addition of no less than five fresh young talents to the team. Alongside the team’s stars, Olympic hero Ed Clancy and former National Road Race Champion Kristian House, in 2013 the team will field its youngest ever line up, including five under 23 riders – three of whom will be making their senior debut for the team.

Team manager John Herety spoke of the team’s ambitions to develop young riders, as well to continue to be a force in the British and international peloton. “After a successful transition into a development team in 2012, we’ve taken on an even younger group of riders this year. Our ambition is offer these riders the best possible platform to experience high level racing both at home and abroad to help them develop and put themselves in a position to move up through the sport.”

“We will also of course be looking for results. Our main aims will be focused on the Tour of Britain and the Tour Series here in the UK, but we also have a busy calendar of international racing where I expect these riders to prove themselves in some highly competitive racing.”

As well as John Herety’s analysis of the team’s ambitions, representatives of the title sponsors spoke about their commitment to the team.

Talking of the fresh faced new line up, Simon Mottram, CEO of Rapha commented, “Rapha is committed to investing in the sport at all levels and we’re extremely happy with what the team has achieved already. We are building on that strength and I think this year we will do even better.”

Charlie Pearch, a senior partner at JLT, was also thrilled to speak of JLT’s involvement in the team. “We are very, very proud to be backing this team. I believe in John Herety and his guidance of these young riders, and it will be absolutely fantastic to be a part of the development of these young riders.”

Finally, Grant Young of Condor cycles explained the importance of team sponsorship for Condor cycles. “We are now in our 65th year as a company, and we have been sponsoring riders and teams for the best part of that. We love to put back into the sport and we still love it, and we are still passionate about sponsoring this team.”

The team will also continue to receive backing from sub-sponsors Costa Express, Skoda, Claremont Hospital and SiS as well as support from Campagnolo, Continental, Fi:zi:k, Oakley, Kask, Garmin and Muc-Off.

Rapha Condor JLT have already enjoyed an impressive start to the 2013 season, with the team returning from a seven week training camp in Australia to claim six wins through five different riders in the first three weeks of competition in the UK.

Herety was quick to praise all of the team’s sponsors who had helped make sure the team was ready to compete as soon as the year began. “I am very thankful to all of our sponsors, and suppliers who have worked really hard to make sure we were ready with equipment, clothing and everything we’ve needed to get the season underway in Australia and already be racing at the highest level on January the first.”

“It’s clear that extra effort has been paying off so far with the performances that we’ve seen since we’ve returned from Australia.”

The team’s European campaign starts next week with the tough eight-day Tour of Normandy that will be the first major test for the team’s young riders.

John Herety Team Manager of Rapha Condor JTL by David Everett:

Gimondi enters Giro d’Italia’s Hall of Fame
Felice Gimondi enters Giro d’Italia’s Hall of Fame. Italian cycling legend and Bianchi iconic landmark will be awarded by RCS Sport with Giro d’Italia’s Trofeo Senza Fine (Endless Trophy) on Friday, March 15th. The ceremony will be held at 3:00 pm in the Sala Montanelli of RCS’ headquarter in Via Solferino, Milan.

Currently president of TX Active-Bianchi MTB team, Gimondi won the Giro d’Italia in 1967, 1969 and 1976. He’s one of the five riders who managed to win all the three greatest stage-races in his career: Giro, Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana.

To celebrate Gimondi’s 70th birthday in September 2012, Bianchi produced a special Oltre XRmodel in 70 exclusive coded pieces.

Gimondi in the Giro d’Italia 1976 Stage 21 (Bergamo):

Giro del Trentino lifts the curtain: Presentation in Trento on April 8thPress Release: Just one week ahead of the event, the 37th Giro del Trentino will be officially unveiled on April 8th, 2013,11:00 am CET at Cassa Centrale delle Casse Rurali Trentine headquarter in Trento, with the attendance of many authorities and personalities. Looking forward the forthcoming Giro d’Italia, 2013 Giro del Trentino bodes well with plenty of excitement surrounding the expected high-class duel between Bradley Wiggins and Vincenzo Nibali.

It is already known that the Grand Depart will be in Austria’s Lienz and the inclusion of two-leg stage in the opening day, but the rest of the course’s details will not be official until the organizer lifts the curtain.

Meanwhile, 37th Giro del Trentino (taking place from 16th to 19th of April) finalized the sponsor’s panel whose brands will be displayed on standings’ leader jerseys as follows:

Most of the previous Giro del Trentino’s major partner confirmed their support to one of main Italian cycling events, in the wake of the major success achieved worldwide in the last three years. New-entry sponsor “Le Prolunghe”, company based in Rovereto and producing electric systems, also joined the event in 2013.
More info: www.girodeltrentino.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Sharecare Sponsors Elite Cycling Team with “Biking For Life” Message-2013 Team Roster AnnouncedPress Release:Sharecare, the health and wellness social network, announced the sponsorship of an elite cycling team today, which will aim for podium finishes and overall wins while spreading the message of “Biking for Life.” Kicking off its season March 16 at Tampa’s 5th annual Cigar City Criterium, the Sharecare Cycling Team will compete in over 30 races across the country this year on the USA Cycling NCC and USA Crits Champion Series calendar. Elite cyclists joining the team include:

The Sharecare Cycling Team will bring their passion for the sport to the Sharecare community, serving as cycling, training, wellness and nutrition ambassadors, who will answer user questions and blog about biking topics. Race updates and inspiration will be posted on Twitter and Facebook.

Paul Weaver, founder of the Sharecare Cycling Team, said, “Our mission is to use professional cyclists to promote bicycling for fitness, health and wellness. We want to encourage individuals of all ages and fitness levels to bike—as a means of transportation, for better health and just plain fun.”

Rick Anderson, SVP of Sharecare and avid cyclist, said, “I’m proud that Sharecare is entering the cycling world in this way. Sharecare is an active community where knowledge is not just shared. It’s put into practice. The team’s passion for the sport will without a doubt spark enthusiasm about biking—an activity that virtually everyone can participate in at some level.”

Sharecare Fitness: Build Strong Core Muscles With This Workout:

HotChillee’s 2013 Global Event Series gets Off to a Blazing StartPress Release: The first of HotChillee’s multi-stage cycling events in its Global Event Series, the Cape Rouleur, has reached its conclusion for 2013. The Cape Rouleur did not disappoint, following HotChillee’s renowned event formula of rolling road closures, motorbike outriders, support vehicles and the opportunity to not only ride in a sociable peloton, but to compete for a number of titles, including the Yellow, Green and Red Jerseys.

Based out of Franschhoek in the Western Cape – a haven for cyclists at this time of year – riders, both pro and amateur, experienced a combination of scenic stages, competitive General Classification sections, fast sprints and tough climbs over the beautiful 600km South African route, with an ascent of over 6000m.

There was some tough competition for all the Jerseys this year, but Team Bulls’ Urs Huber took the overall first place and the Pro Yellow Jersey, while Tim Carter, riding for Team Wattbike, rode away with the Yellow Jersey in the Amateur category. Evarne Rees retained the Pink Jersey for the second year as the overall ladies winner, despite Vanessa Haywood’s efforts. Tim Böehme, also from Team Bulls collected the Pro Red Jersey for the overall best climber while Franschhoek local Geddan Ruddock from Team Oryx1 was awarded the Amateur Red Jersey. Karl Platt made it a homerun for Team Bulls as he took the Pro Green Jersey for the fastest sprinter, while South African Development Rider, Nicholas Dlamini was named the overall winner of the Amateur Green Jersey. Air Arabia was the overall winner in the Team category.

Once the Cape Rouleur’s final official stage was complete, HotChillee hosted a Celebration Dinner where 1987 Tour de France winner Stephen Roche and 1988 World Champion Maurizio Fondriest presented the prizes and winners’ Jerseys to the top performers of the event. This gave all participants time to truly wind-down together.

The day after, all three groups departed from Franschhoek for the Festival Ride and made their way through the beautiful vineyards surrounding the Durbanville Hills. The riders finished at the Cape Town Hotel School in Moullie Point which hugs the Atlantic Ocean and were met with great celebrations from organisers and their fellow cyclists. There was excellent camaraderie throughout the event, testament to the great spirit of this year’s participants.

As part of the entry to The Cape Rouleur, the riders received a seeded entry to the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, providing a perfect end to a full week of cycling. In addition to entry to both events and the relaxed ride back to Cape Town, the riders had the chance to take part in a Twitter Ride with 1988 World Champion, Maurizio Fondriest, on Saturday 9th March, starting at Camps Bay, out to Suikerbossie and back, along a perfect stretch of coastline that had thousands of other cyclists preparing for their South African cycling season.

Participants included 1987 Triple Crown Winner, Stephen Roche; 1988 World Champion Maurizio Fondriest; professional mountain bike team, Team Bulls; actress, model and endurance cyclist Vanessa Haywood; rugby legend Joel Stransky and Western Cape Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Alan Winde. Also riding the event were HotChillee’s Development Riders, Nicholas Dlamini and Reyatile Mthakathi, two local riders selected based on their cycling prowess.

The Cape Rouleur in South Africa is the newest addition to HotChillee’s Global Event Series. It follows the same winning formula as its other multi-stage events, with rolling road closures, motorbike outriders, Hertz support vehicles and timed flagged sections, allowing riders to compete for the leaders’ Jerseys.

Riders on the Cape Rouleur will be raising money for HotChillee’s three local charity partners, Christel House South Africa, JAG Foundation, and the LumoHawk Foundation.

The 2013 VELOSELECT Cycling TeamPress Release: The 2013 VELOSELECT Cycling Team is pleased to announce that we are entering our 6th year of competition. We are very enthusiastic to have a competitive 8 man junior team for 2013. Were expecting some top performances especially from our 2nd year riders and our 1st year can surprise our competition as well. We are pleased to have the following riders for 2013.

Also riding for the team is Laurent Levasseur. Finally rounding out the juniors is Francis Bertrand top ten finisher in the Prestigious Tour de Relieve Stage Race in Rimouski Quebec which is a top cadet race in North America.

The Team is run by Czeslaw Lukaszewicz 2000 Olympian and Lyall Beattie. Please like us on facebook at CLUB CYCLISTE VELOSELECT and you can visit our blog at: http://veloselect.blogspot.com.

Have a great season. See you at the races in 2013!!

23 Days in July 1983
The film 23 Days in July follows the progress of legendary Australian cyclist Phil Anderson in his quest for the winner’s yellow jersey in the 1983 Tour de France. A great film by Tim Sullivan and available from Bromley Video, here is the trailer: